Big rig crash snarls traffic on NB 5 Freeway in San Clemente

Crews were working to clear a SigAlert issued on the northbound 5 Freeway in San Clemente early Monday morning, after a big rig carrying tomatoes overturned and spilled gallons of diesel fuel. (KABC)

KABC

By ABC7.com staff

Monday, September 18, 2017

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KABC) --

Crews were working for over 10 hours to clear a SigAlert issued on the northbound 5 Freeway in San Clemente early Monday morning, after a big rig carrying tomatoes overturned and spilled gallons of diesel fuel.

Two northbound lanes were closed near Avenida Pico since the crash was reported at about 10 p.m. Sunday. Officials said a big rig struck a guardrail and overturned. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Investigators said at least 150 gallons of diesel fuel possibly went down a storm drain while loads of tomatoes and green peppers scattered across lanes.

The driver of the big rig was not injured, and the cause of the crash was under investigation, officials said.

Hazmat crews and officials from an Orange County health department, U.S. Coast Guard the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene to help minimize any impact from the spill.

Crews at the scene were also attempting to get the big rig on its wheels and clean up the vegetables.